Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
